The Gift-of-Life Marathon in Rutland collected 2,337 pints of blood on Tuesday at the Paramount Theater in Rutland, crushing the old national record of 1,968 pints set by Manchester, New Hampshire. With these results, Rutland now holds three of the top four spots on the list of the 10 biggest blood drives in US history.’
"This is such a statement by the greater Rutland community," said co-organizer Steve Costello from Green Mountain Power. "To outdo every single city and town in America is really mind-boggling."’
"I could not be more proud of the Rutland region," WJJR Program Manager Terry Jaye said. "Christmas begins tonight."’
"Castleton feels blessed to be united with Rutland, Green Mountain Power and WJJR, in helping to make a difference for our community and our world," Castleton President Dave Wolk said. "I am really grateful that all our volunteers throughout the region broke the record and put Rutland back on top on the world map."
Representative Peter Welch issued the following statement after hearing that Rutland’s Gift of Life Marathon blood drive beat the national record for a single community in one day. ‘
"In the end, it wasn't even close. Yesterday, Rutland showed Vermont and the nation that it has heart -- big time heart.’ And it demonstrated what a community can accomplish when its residents work together on a shared goal,’ said Welch. ‘What did Rutland accomplish? ‘ They saved the life of future accident victims.’ They ensured good outcomes to complicated surgical procedures.’ They provided peace of mind to the families of critically ill patients. And they proved once and for all that perseverance pays off.’ Congratulations and thanks to everyone who put Rutland in the record books."
VERY’ TOP’ PHOTO: Laura Wolk donates blood at the Paramount on Tuesday, December 17.